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Subject:Schmoozing/Networking From:Michael Andrew Uhl <uhl -at- VISLAB -dot- EPA -dot- GOV> Date:Mon, 24 Feb 1997 12:32:42 -0800
Esteemed colleagues:
Too many people misunderstand networking and the
general process of interacting with professional
peers. It's not a matter of "What can you do for me?"
In fact, as an STC chapter leader, my approach with
my peers, is "How may I help you?" I'm trying to
continue a practice of more senior technical writers
passing on knowledge and a little wisdom to more
junior people. When I first joined STC I was blessed
with the company of wise and friendly colleagues.
I ask for favors as little as possible. I give them
as often as possible. There's wonderful gratification in
helping others. I do it because I can. Some day, maybe
I won't be in such a great position and I will need
the help.
The kind of people I run away from are those who
want to talk to me or other senior people *only* when
they want something, such as a job. Fortunately, these
people are few. Even when I try to explain to them how
their networking strategy will backfire on them, they
choose not to listen.
"The way of a fool seems right
to him,
but a wise man listens to
advice."
[Proverbs 12:15]
--
Michael Andrew Uhl (919) 541-4283
Lead Technical Writer, Lockheed Martin
U.S. EPA Scientific Visualization Center &
National Environmental Supercomputing Center
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina USA
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